The Druidstone Hotel

Very disappointed to be writing this review as it is very very rare for me to complain. However, on this occasion I feel like something must be said. My sister had booked a table for food months ago for 7pm tonight (24th August) as she was staying in the hotel for my nephew's 3rd birthday. There was not a themed night originally planned however the night before the hotel advised that it would be a pizza themed night, absolutely fine, as everyone loves pizza. We placed our orders around 7:10pm, thinking this would be early enough for the children (1 & 3 years old) and myself who is 32 weeks pregnant. We did not receive our food until 9:52pm. By this time, the children had fallen asleep, and by the time the food came, everyone was over hungry and did not want to eat pizza so soon before heading to bed. To add to our frustration, when the man called our names approx 9:30pm to come and collect the pizza, he had actually not started cooking the pizzas yet, and said he just wanted to check that we were still there before cooking them, despite us having paid for them 2 and a half hours previously. We were given 2 complimentary pasta boxes between 8 of us, however it felt as though these were just given to us as they'd be going to waste at the end of the night, and would have appreciated during the wait for the pizza. Instead, we had to buy chocolate, crisps and eat birthday cake before the food came. Every time we asked how long the food would be, we kept getting told half an hour. At no point were we offered a round of drinks or an apology or explanation to say why the food was going to take 2 hours and 50 mins. We asked for a pizza box or tin foil at the end of the night to take the pizzas away as it was too late to eat a whole pizza so late, this or any other container was not available. I understand that things happen, but to say we are disappointed in the service is an understatement.

Although we live just 30 minutes drive away, neither of my wife or I had ever visited. The hotel rooms were not used as it was a visit for dinner with friends. The hotel and dining rooms are quirky and attractive. Service was friendly but efficient too. We were made to feel welcome in a lovely beautifully lit room. We opted to share a Moroccan style dish as a starter rather than a dish each which was a good call as the portions are filling without being out facing. My wife had a superb smokey beef dish with an unpronounceable name- simply delicious and filling. Not dissimilar to a stir fry. I opted for monkfish and a 'stew' of squid. Fabulous flavours. Our other diners had similarly delicious innovative food. Only one dessert was ordered between the four of us! No room for one. The bill including a tip was £85 per couple including a couple of drinks for three people. I had water. That's not cheap dining. However, the hotel is set up presenting innovative and unusual dining and flavours we couldn't attempt at home. As with every venue, you get what you pay for and this experience was great.

I had been walking various parts of the coastal path, and called by to ask if they would do a cream tea. That was fine, so I returned with my wife, spent in excess of £22 at reception, and waited in a largely empty dining area for 15 minutes before receiving anything. My coffee came another 5 minutes later...Still no knifes or spoon which we asked for. Half an hour later, we were asked if were staying there, and politely asked to leave by a rather embarrassed member of their staff, saying that they needed the space... Albeit still largely empty. Probably a charming if unconventional place, but don't waste calling in there and expect to be welcomed.